"Mummy, I Can't Read!": What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has Dyslexia

No one wants to hear that their child is disabled. Yet probably one condition that flies under the radar more often than we’d like to admit is dyslexia. Often going undetected for years, this disorder makes it hard for someone to read. For children, this results in a serious obstacle in their learning process. Stigma from society does not help either. Parents often refuse to admit their children have a problem due to fears of judgement and slander. That’s why it's important to destigmatise dyslexia once and for all. Here’s what you need to know. What is Dyslexia Dyslexia, also known as 'word blindness' is a type of learning disability that makes it difficult for a person to read and recognise numbers and words. However, it doesn't at all affect one’s ability to understand, absorb information or learn. A dyslexic child can learn to read, write, count etc as efficiently as a regular child with early intervention and the right tools. Many experts point to it being a genetic disorder that affects certain parts of the brain, leading to more cerebral activity in some parts and less in others. In some cases, other neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and dyscalculia (difficulty reading numbers) may accompany dyslexia. Much like other neurological disorders, there is no cure for this condition. What Is It Like to Have Dyslexia Having difficulty recognising letters and numbers is not just another learning curve. They may have poor handwriting as well. Children who struggle with schoolwork often wrestle with feelings of shame, frustration and defeat. Many keep their conditions a secret. What may seem like poor academic performance to a parent, is actually a child giving up trying to learn. Uncaring teachers at school may also assume your child is simply lazy or acting out. If left untreated, there may be fewer opportunities for them as adults, both in their studies and careers. Doing everyday things like reading road signs, buying groceries and signing documents can also pose a problem. They may not be able to get a driver’s license if their condition is really bad. The following is an example of what the world looks like through the eyes of a dyslexic child. What to Do if You Suspect Your Child Is Dyslexic Dyslexia typically shows itself between the ages of 5 and 6, so you probably won't see the signs until then. If you start noticing some red flags, don’t hesitate. Take your child to your regular family physician first. This is always a crucial first step to diagnosis. Don’t stress yourself out with weeks of research or try to hunt the best specialists and therapy centres. Go straight to your most accessible and reliable expert—your doctor. They will give you all the right resources and recommend you to trusted and affordable specialists. If your clinic actually offers paediatric services, they may even be fully equipped to perform dyslexia screenings on your child. Which means your child can probably get a diagnosis right there and then. What to Do if Your Child Is Diagnosed with Dyslexia It’s important to remain calm and listen to what the doctor has to say. It’s important as well for your child to be there during the diagnosis. If the clinic doesn’t offer full-blown dyslexic therapy, then they will provide recommendations. Other things you can do is read up on the condition. Reach out to support groups, acquaintances and online contacts who may have dyslexic children as well. They are often more than willing to point you in the right direction. Finally, be patient. There will be good and bad days. What Do Dyslexia Treatments Look Like and How Much Do They Cost Getting your child professional help as soon as possible is always the necessary first step. But depending on where you go, the first visit will typically cost between RM100 to RM200. Some centres like the Persatuan Dyslexia Malaysia (PDM) offer a 3-month programme. During this time, your child will be exempted from regular school (via a special release letter). Your child will spend the entirety of the programme where they will be given the tools and coping techniques to help with their condition. PDM classes typically cost RM550 for Monday to Friday classes and RM200 for additional classes on Saturdays. Some common methods you’ll see (depending on the centre) include: multisensory approach, phonemic awareness, Orton-Gillingham, structure literacy and many more. Each centre will have different terms and names for the same techniques. But the gist of it boils down to helping your child develop better associations, meaning-making and comprehension. What’s the Prognosis for Early Intervention of Dyslexia Depending on the severity of the dyslexia, your child could experience a normal healthy childhood as soon as they’re done with their remedial program. They will be able to return to regular school as if nothing happened. Once they have the tools they need to read and write properly, they will able to quickly catch up to their peers with virtually no problems. However, if the dyslexia is much more severe, your child may have to continue on the intervention program for much longer. Or at least until the examiner determines that your child is able to function on their own. End the Dyslexia Stigma There are many grown-ups with dyslexia who, with early intervention, are able to function successfully as adults. Many choose to conceal or mask their condition out of shame, while many are also upfront about their condition. It’s important to destigmatise neurodiversity for the larger population. However, it’s equally as important for dyslexic people to destigmatise themselves. They need to know that it’s important not to be ashamed of their condition. And as their parent, this starts with you. Never raise your dyslexic child in a home where they are made to feel different or shameful. With any luck, they’ll be able to fully integrate into a society with complete acceptance of who they are, regardless of what society may think. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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